Hardly had he spoken than the first pair executed
a beautiful forward bow, and went down in a heap from
the lower step.

“Look out there! A rope!”

Paul had just barely time to give utterance to this
warning when the next pair found the obstruction for
themselves, and came plunging down on top of those
already landed.

Two more were close behind, so nearly upon the heels
of the second pair that it was really impossible for
them to avoid following in their wake. Thus there
were by this time six struggling figures at the foot
of the steps, while the balance of the patrol huddled
just above, looking with amazement at the dimly seen
spectacle.

From somewhere near by, possibly the shelter of some
bushes, came gurgles of boyish laughter, and jeering
words in assumed voices.

No need to tell Paul and his friends to whose kind
attention they owed this unexpected downfall.
Ted Slavin and his backers had not been idle while
the new patrol was being organized in the home of Nuthin’.
They had fastened a stout rope across the lower step,
and succeeded in tripping half of their rivals.

Paul managed to scramble to his feet, hardly knowing
whether to laugh, or get angry at this practical joke
on the part of the opposition.

CHAPTER V

CHECKING A COWARD

“It’s that Slavin crowd!” exclaimed
Jack, as he gained his feet.

“Let’s capture some of them, then!”
shouted William, always ready for battle, as was also
Bluff Shipley, whose hands were never bothered with
impediments as was his speech.

A rush was made for the bushes, and retreating footsteps
announced the hasty departure of the enemy.

None of the new scouts seemed to care about following
very far. They knew Ted of old, and feared lest
they be drawn into a trap, so that their last condition
would be really worse than the first.

“No damage done, after all,” remarked
Paul, as he brushed off his clothes; while the others
gathered around, and Nuthin’ came down to secure
the treacherous rope.

“Barked my shins some, now; and sooner or later
I’ve just got to take it out of that crowd!”
muttered William, limping around, and shaking his
head.

“Better do it soon, then,” observed Bobolink,
“for after you’ve taken the oath of allegiance
to the scouts you dassent tackle a feller without
losing marks.”

“H’m! is that so?” grunted the injured
member, regretfully; for to be deprived of the boon
of fighting would be taking some of the joys of life
away from the pugnacious Carberry twin.

“Fall in again, boys!” said Paul, cheerily.

“Not the same way, I hope, captain!” ventured
Bobolink; at which there was a laugh, and the incident
seemed closed.